A
valid passport is required but no visa is required for stays under 90 days

Language and Currency

The
official language of Greece is Greek, but some English is spoken in the
tourist areas. Greece has accepted the euro as its formal currency. US
dollars may be accepted on a limited basis, but be aware the exchange
rate that you will get will be much lower than the published rate. ATMs
are widely available and this is the best way to get euros.

What is Santorini like?

Thirassia Volcano, Santorini, Greece

Santorini, believed by some to be the site of the “Lost Continent of
Atlantis”, is the southernmost Cycladic island in the Aegean. In fact,
Santorini owes its existence to a volcano whose last huge eruption dates
back 3600 years ago. If you see a breathtaking picture of the Greek Isles
in a magazine or ad, chances are it is a scene from this most beautiful
island. The world’s largest caldera, with its magnificent contrast of
colors, imposing landscape, exciting entertainment, rich history (dating
back to the Bronze Age), and arid climate make this one of the most
popular vacation destinations in the region. Santorini is comprised of 13
villages, covering a 73 sq. km area. Within these villages there are only
2 principal towns.

A Typical Santorini Village Clinging to
the Caldera Edge

Fira, the capital, clings to the edge of a cliff
(actually the rim of a crater). In the early evening, corridors of light
and sound, produced by the fading sun, shadows on whitewashed houses,
chants of prayers resounding from the Orthodox Cathedrals and a wild bar
scene contrast with the dark sea below to provide a unique and
unforgettable experience. Interesting barrel-vaulted cave houses (built
for fortification against volcanic activity) dot the landscape.

View of Oia, Santorini, Greece

The
second major town, Ia (or Oia), is perched at the summit of the caldera,
on the northern tip of the island. This picturesque village was
devastated by an earthquake in 1956 and has been completely rebuilt.
Buildings and tree trunks are painted white every year and stand-out
against the backdrop of rust color layers of rock, earth and volcanic
ash. Ia is comprised of basically 2 streets, one with traffic and an
inland pedestrian lane paved with marble and lined with jewelry shops,
restaurants and bars. A volcano, black sand beaches and amazing
architectural sites await the visitor to Santorini.

What is the weather like?

Santorini Sunset and Fira

Santorini is very dry, with days of unbroken sunshine. From April to
October temperatures range from 62°-
86°F
with an average temperature of 73°.
Although the days are bright and sunny, evenings can be cool, so a sweater
or jacket is advisable. Temperatures drop a bit between November and
March, when the average temperature ranges in the mid 50’s. May, June and
September are the absolute best months to visit. July and August can be
exceedingly crowded and are also known as the “meltimi” (very severe,
strong Aegean winds) season.

Where does the ship dock?

Ship Anchored off Fira, Santorini

Ships
tender at the Port of Skala. You will find local tour companies
offering both land and sea excursions here, as well aas several stores
for last minute shopping.

The Port of Skala, Santorini, Greece
(Note the Donkey Staging Area)

Tenders will drop you along the shores of
the caldera, at the foot of the cliffs.

Riding a Mule Up to Fira, Santorini

Interestingly, at this point,
there are 3 choices to reach the town of Fira: cable car, donkey ride, or
a very rough 45 minute walk uphill, on a path you will share with the
mules.

Santorini Cable Cars

Cable cars run every 15 minutes from 7:30 am – 9:00pm. I suggest you take
a mule up and the cable car down. Both cost about 3.50 euro.

Where is the shopping?

Fira's Odos lpapantis (Street of Gold)

In
Fira shopping is located along the main street, Odos Ipapantis (“Gold
Street”), beginning at the north end of the cable car station.
However, there is abundant shopping along the streets a run parallel and
also intersect Odos Lpapantis. In Ia,
shops line both sides of the pedestrian lane, Odos Nikolaos Nomikou,
(actually a continuation of the same street in Fira).

What
is there to buy?

A Typical Fira Shopping Alley

As
the name “Gold Street” implies, jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry is sold
in Santorini, which stands to reason, since world-famous, Santorini
goldsmiths are experts in their field. Be aware, however, the further
north you travel along the street the higher the prices. Perhaps one of
the most unique finds can be found in a jewelry store in Ia, where insects
are imbedded in the amber. You will also find pottery and museum
replicas, as well as the requisite souvenir shops.

A Typical Fira Shop

One will also find wonderful pieces of
art painted on the spot by local artists, clothing unique to Santorini,
Santorini Wine (taste it first to make sure that you want to buy it)
local pottery and handicrafts and other unique items and souvenirs.

What
is there to do?

Fira, Santorini

There
is so much to see I would make sure you get an early start and plan your
route ahead of time. Once you traverse the cliff to Fira from the tender
port, I would suggest you tour the island and the archaeological sites
first and save your stroll around Fira for later in the day.

You can
elect to use the excellent public bus system (Buses leave every hour for Akrotiri and every 30 minutes for Oia, Kamari and Perissa), hire a private
car and guide, or rent a jeep or moped (all readily available in Fira).
One word of caution, however, regarding moped rentals: Although the roads
are relatively good, they are narrow, winding and somewhat treacherous as
shoulders can give way on steep slopes. There are numerous
moped/motorcycle accidents, so use this mode of transportation only if you
are a seasoned motorcyclist. If you are planning to do a lot of
sightseeing, it is cheaper to hire a car and guide, rather than just
planning to grab a cab from the taxi stand south of the main square in
Fira for a simple drop-off, then hiring a different cab along the route,
as anywhere outside of Fira there is a pick-up fee.

Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece

Now that you have
chosen your vehicle of choice, head south to Akrotiri. This is the most
important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern
Mediterranean. Known as “Prehistoric Pompeii”, it was once an ancient
Minoan city that was destroyed by a volcano in 1522 B.C. Protected under
a tin roof, only a small route of the excavation site is available, but a
definite “must see”. While in Akrotiri, head to the southern end of the
island village for a glimpse of the Red Beach, named for the unique color
of the sand and the hill behind it. Small red volcanic pebbles create a
very unusual red glow. By now, some real beach time and lunch may be in
order, so it’s on to Kamari Beach.

Kamari Beach, Santorini

This resort beach is definitely the
most popular on the island and sports numerous restaurants, bars and
hotels. Try one of the locally grown fish/seafood dishes, tomato
croquettes (made from unusual, small delicious island grown tomatoes), or
one of the numerous fava (native yellow split peas) creations, along with
a local white wine. This is probably a good place to mention, that if you
have any extra time, a visit to one of the local wineries is another
excellent excursion (Boutari Winery is the largest). Santorini is noted
for its excellent dry white wines and heavier dessert wines.

Ancient Thira, Santorini, Greece

Now that you
have taken your break, it is time to move on to the next major
archeological site: Ancient Thira. A paved, but very steep road leads
from Kamari up to the site of Hellenic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine
ruins. The city is divided down the middle by the Sacred Way and agoras,
public baths, etc. are all on display. Not only are the ruins awesome,
but incredible views of the neighboring islands can be seen from this
vantage point. After visiting the major historical sites return to Fira
in the late afternoon for an incredible stroll around the town. The
lights and sounds at this time of day are mesmerizing. Do some shopping
as you head north on the footpath to Ia. If you are physically able and
have the endurance, I highly recommend the 10 km walk from Fira to Ia. The
path follows the edge of the Caldera and is incredible. Just make sure
you are on the footpath or at Lontza Castle (on the western end of Oia) at
sunset – spectacular! Finally, return to Fira and sample the exuberant,
non-stop nightlife, before departing the island.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

Yes, a stroll in Fira along Odos N. Nomikou, watching the
sunset in Ia and a visit to Akrotiri and Ancient Thera are all high on my
“Must Do” list.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Typical Fira Restaurant with a View to
Remember

In Santorini there are over 300 restaurants to choose from
and just as many bars – take your pick. However, don’t leave the island
without sampling some of their excellent dry white wine or tomato
croquettes (not your ordinary tomato). Although I have not personally had
the pleasure of the experience, if you are looking for “the happening spot
on the beach”, I have very trusted friends who rave about Dolphins Beach
Bar on Kamari Beach. Let me know if you agree.